Constable wants families to raise children in town

The new Constable of St Helier said she hoped people would choose to live in the town, raise their families there and grow old there.

Inna Gardiner told BBC Jersey she wanted people of all ages to enjoy being in town and for "the town will be a desirable place to live".

Speaking to Radio Jersey about her now role, Gardiner said neighbourhoods such as La Vallée des Vaux and Havre des Pas have "a unique character" and added "each part of St Helier can bring a different feel".

She said she wanted to see Cheapside "coming back to glory", with the buildings well cared for and was talking to people there about what it had to offer, while wanting the town to "look beautiful and vibrant".

Gardiner said her first task would be to listen to and understand the parish's residents.

The former education minister has taken over the role from Simon Crowcroft who stepped down after 25 years.

She said she had big shoes to fill and added: "I bring in my own energy, my own vision and my own way of working and know what I need to deliver."

She said she wanted "proper communication" with parishioners to find "the best possible compromise to deliver for the public".

She said she had also launched a consultation about refurbishing St Andrew's Park, which she said she hoped would attract people of all ages to enjoy spending time there.

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